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On Thursday, November 5, the Lions of Teranga head coach announced his squad for the upcoming double-header against Sudan in matchdays three and four of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The headline news was undoubtedly the omission of Sadio Mane, a talismanic presence for the Senegal national side for over a decade.

Speaking to the media, Patrick Vieira swiftly clarified the situation, confirming that the forward's absence was neither tactical nor due to injury, but rather down to personal family commitments.

"During this international window, there is going to be an event. He wants to be close to his family, and that is something I completely understand," explained the French tactician. The manager also stressed that the decision was reached amicably between both parties. "We both agreed so that he could stay with his family, because that's what he wanted to do," he added.

Sadio Mane will consequently sit out Senegal's next two fixtures with his manager's full blessing. Patrick Vieira will also have to navigate the window without veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, who has likewise been omitted. On the other hand, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, and Lamine Camara have all been summoned. Elsewhere, Krepin Diatta makes his return to the international fold, while Cagliari forward Paul Mendy has earned his maiden call-up for the Lions of Teranga.

Senegal squad to face Sudan

Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf (OGC Nice), Mory Diaw (Al-Shabab), Mamour Ndiaye (AS Saint-Etienne).

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Moussa Niakhate (Olympique Lyonnais), Malang Sarr (NEOM SC), El Hadji Malick Diouf (Brentford), Mamadou Sarr (Real Sociedad), Nobel Mendy (Hull City), Sadibou Sane (AS Monaco), Krepin Diatta (Watford), Lamine Sy (AJ Auxerre).

Midfielders: Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Pape Demba Diop (RC Strasbourg), Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), Pape Matar Sarr (Juventus), Dion Lopy (Al-Ittihad).

Forwards: Iliman Ndiaye (Manchester City), Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa), Clayton Diandy (Al-Diriyah), Pathe Mboup (Stade Brestois), Boulaye Dia (Stade Rennais), Issa Soumare (Stade Rennais), Ibrahim Mbaye (Aston Villa), Paul Mendy (Cagliari).